Professor Alex Brown has been appointed by the government to the CSIRO Board as a part-time member for a period of five years beginning 16 March, as announced by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic.
Professor Brown, the first Indigenous scientist appointed to the board, is an internationally recognised clinician and researcher who has devoted his entire professional life to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
At the same time, he is an Indigenous Genomics Professor at the Telethon Kids Institute and the Australian National University and a proud Yuin nation member.
Minister Ed Husic said Professor Brown’s appointment places First Nations representation at the core of Australia’s national science agency.
The appointment would also bring a wealth of expertise to CSIRO and herald a generational shift on the Board, according to Husic.
“Professor Brown has dedicated his research career to understanding and overcoming health inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, particularly the burden of chronic conditions,” Minister Husic said.
The minister pointed out that his experience building connections across science ecosystems and working with Aboriginal communities will strengthen the CSIRO’s leadership.
“The appointment of Professor Alex Brown will help address skills gaps identified by the Board, facilitate greater collaboration between research agencies and universities, and ensure CSIRO’s future direction benefits from being more inclusive,” Minister Husic concluded.
The CSIRO Board is accountable to the Australian Government for the organisation’s overall strategy, governance, and performance.
